Archives: Abbreviations

Rx stands for Prescription / Treatment. (Latin: recipe) What does Rx mean? A prescription, or the medication/treatment prescribed. When is Rx used? Written instruction for dispensing medication.

Tx stands for Treatment. What does Tx mean? The management and care of a patient's condition. When is Tx used? The plan of care following a diagnosis.

Dx stands for Diagnosis. What does Dx mean? The identification of a disease or condition. When is Dx used? The conclusion reached after assessment and investigation.

Hx stands for History. What does Hx mean? The patient's medical history. When is Hx used? Collected during assessment to inform diagnosis and care.

RR stands for Respiratory rate. What does RR mean? The number of breaths taken per minute. When is RR used? A core vital sign; normal adult range is about 12-20 breaths/min.

HR stands for Heart rate. What does HR mean? The number of heartbeats per minute. When is HR used? A core vital sign; normal adult resting range is about 60-100 bpm.

BP stands for Blood pressure. What does BP mean? The pressure of circulating blood against artery walls. When is BP used? A core vital sign, recorded as systolic over diastolic.

SC stands for Subcutaneous. (Latin: sub cutis) What does SC mean? Given by injection into the fatty tissue under the skin. When is SC used? Route for insulin, heparin, and some other injections.

PO stands for By mouth. (Latin: per os) What does PO mean? Taken orally, by mouth. When is PO used? The most common route for medication administration.

IM stands for Intramuscular. What does IM mean? Given by injection into a muscle. When is IM used? Route for many vaccines and certain medications.